Michigan Medical Marijuana Laws

Like many states, Michigan allows the legal use of medical marijuana. Michigan Initiated Law 1 of 2008—known as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act—made it legal to grow and use marijuana for debilitating medical conditions. However, you should carry a state-issued medical marijuana registry identification card to notify law enforcement officials that you are authorized under the act to use medical marijuana because of your debilitating medical condition. If you do not have the identification card, you may be arrested for possession by the police and have to use your medical condition as a defense at trial.

Keep in mind that because medical marijuana is still illegal under federal law, it is not legal for a doctor to “prescribe” marijuana for your medical condition. Instead, a doctor can only “recommend” that medical marijuana would be helpful given your condition.

What is the Medical Marijuana Registry?

States that have legalized medical marijuana typically have registries to assist law enforcement in identifying patients with valid doctor’s recommendations for medical marijuana. In Michigan, the registry takes on the form of a state-issued identification card that must be carried by all medical marijuana users. Only the state-issued medical marijuana registry identification card gives you immunity from being arrested for possession of marijuana. If you qualify for medicinal marijuana use but do not have a card yet, you may be able to use your medical need as a defense in court. The application for a marijuana identification registry card is available on the Michigan Department of Community Health website. Identification cards must be renewed annually.